July 22nd, 2013

Witloof Bay

Witloof Bay’s 2008 release of both  upbeat covers and originals, that were performed throughout the 2013 Festival 500.

July 22nd, 2013

Monsterbator – Practice Moans for the Big Fire

The newest vinyl release from Monsterbator, one of St. John’s favourite heavy acts is a mix of punk and hard rock with a perfect titration of sludge. Monsterbator’s lyrics and style are as clever as their show is energetic. Also, one of the few currently available local albums on vinyl.

July 22nd, 2013

Maryland Boys Choir – Healing Power of Music

The latest from the Maryland State Boys Choir, celebrating their 27th season. This was performed at the 2013 Festival 500.

July 22nd, 2013

Allison Crowe – Newfoundland Vinyl

Allison Crowe’s newest release, Newfoundland Vinyl, represents 200 years of traditional music popular in Newfoundland. The songs vary from ballads, to sea shanties and lively drinking songs.

July 17th, 2013

Signal Hill – Making Waves

Newest release from Signal Hill, a profound bar circuit cover band. The first in a soon-to-be two disc Making Waves set.

July 14th, 2013

Johnny Burke – Songbook

Brand new traditional Newfoundland compilation, featuring artists such as RASA and the Punters!

July 14th, 2013

Various Artists – Homebrew Volume Fourteen

It’s that time of year again! This is the fourteenth summer of amazing Homebrew releases. This years release includes tracks by The Flummies, a rare Labradorian trad group, plus other great artists!

June 29th, 2013

The Black Bags – The Black Bags

Upon listening to the Black Bags self-titled CD, one is struck by a couple of key features. Firstly, Liz  Solo is still at the top of her game and continues to be the premier female rock vocalist in NL. 20 plus years and going strong. Secondly, Retro-Rules, the early/mid 1990’s in this case, and thirdly, Marcel Levandier’s development as the yin to Liz’s Yang as a lead vocalist.

 

The disc opens strong. “Kelowna Rocks” dives at you like a spirited invitation with Liz displaying Chrissie Hynde, Johnette Napolitano verve on lead vocal, followed by an invigorating lead from Marcel on “Worth Living” buffed by tasty back-up vocals.

 

“Raining Hammers” is an album hilight and shows off the band’s punk roots with a clink of the glass to early influence, Mike Wade, the song’s author.

 

Tracks 4-7 favorably harken back to classic Concrete Blonde, Buffalo Tom, and Lou Reed. “Held Down” with biting rhythm and lyrics, reeking of frustration and stress, “Secret” is beautiful and timeless in quality and “Horizon” rivals Tragically Hip for intensity while exhibiting more punk roots.

 

“Everything is Leaking” has a R.E.M. vibe, and “Lost and Learning”, the album’s closer, is a gorgeous, reflective dirge.

 

Recorded and mixed expertly by Jony Richardson and Grant King- one of 2013’s best NL releases.

June 25th, 2013

Rising Sun – Sound of Gravity

Who doesn’t love a good mystery? We know very little about this CD by ‘Rising Sun’. Here’s what we do know about them; musician Michael Nicholle, from Corner Brook, NL, supported by vocalist Shane Nicholle, and drummer Paul Bradbury, deliver 11 tracks reminiscent of early Oasis, Sloan and House of Love. And it’s quite good – vibrant pop/rock n’roll with a good arrangement sensibility.

June 18th, 2013

Lady Cove Women’s Choir – Heart’s Delight

Lady Cove returns with a fantastic new choral album, accompanied by both percussion and cello. Features works by Stephan Hatfield, Sarah Quartel, James Rolfe, and many more!